Semiconductor Device and Method of Forming Shielding Layer After Encapsulation and Grounded Through Interconnect Structure

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device has a substrate containing a conductive layer. An interconnect structure is formed over the substrate and electrically connected to the conductive layer. A semiconductor component is mounted to the substrate. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor component and interconnect structure. A channel is formed in the encapsulant to expose the interconnect structure. Solder paste is deposited in the channel prior to forming the shielding layer. A shielding layer is formed over the encapsulant and semiconductor component. The shielding layer can be conformally applied over the encapsulant and semiconductor die and into the channel. The shielding layer extends into the channel and electrically connects to the interconnect structure. A docking pin is formed on the shielding layer, which extends into the channel and electrically connects to the interconnect structure. A chamfer area is formed around a perimeter of the shielding layer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to semiconductor devices and,more particularly, to a semiconductor device and method of mounting ashielding layer after the encapsulant is deposited over a semiconductordie for isolation from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radiofrequency interference (RFI), or other inter-device interference. Theshielding layer is grounded through an interconnect structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Semiconductor devices are commonly found in modern electronic products.Semiconductor devices vary in the number and density of electricalcomponents. Discrete semiconductor devices generally contain one type ofelectrical component, e.g., light emitting diode (LED), small signaltransistor, resistor, capacitor, inductor, and power metal oxidesemiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Integrated semiconductordevices typically contain hundreds to millions of electrical components.Examples of integrated semiconductor devices include microcontrollers,microprocessors, charged-coupled devices (CCDs), solar cells, anddigital micro-mirror devices (DMDs).

Semiconductor devices perform a wide range of functions such ashigh-speed calculations, transmitting and receiving electromagneticsignals, controlling electronic devices, transforming sunlight toelectricity, and creating visual projections for television displays.Semiconductor devices are found in the fields of entertainment,communications, power conversion, networks, computers, and consumerproducts. Semiconductor devices are also found in military applications,aviation, automotive, industrial controllers, and office equipment.

Semiconductor devices exploit the electrical properties of semiconductormaterials. The atomic structure of semiconductor material allows itselectrical conductivity to be manipulated by the application of anelectric field or through the process of doping. Doping introducesimpurities into the semiconductor material to manipulate and control theconductivity of the semiconductor device.

A semiconductor device contains active and passive electricalstructures. Active structures, including bipolar and field effecttransistors, control the flow of electrical current. By varying levelsof doping and application of an electric field or base current, thetransistor either promotes or restricts the flow of electrical current.Passive structures, including resistors, capacitors, and inductors,create a relationship between voltage and current necessary to perform avariety of electrical functions. The passive and active structures areelectrically connected to form circuits, which enable the semiconductordevice to perform high-speed calculations and other useful functions.

Semiconductor devices are generally manufactured using two complexmanufacturing processes, i.e., front-end manufacturing, and back-endmanufacturing, each involving potentially hundreds of steps. Front-endmanufacturing involves the formation of a plurality of die on thesurface of a semiconductor wafer. Each die is typically identical andcontains circuits formed by electrically connecting active and passivecomponents. Back-end manufacturing involves singulating individual diefrom the finished wafer and packaging the die to provide structuralsupport and environmental isolation.

One goal of semiconductor manufacturing is to produce smallersemiconductor devices. Smaller devices typically consume less power,have higher performance, and can be produced more efficiently. Inaddition, smaller semiconductor devices have a smaller footprint, whichis desirable for smaller end products. A smaller die size may beachieved by improvements in the front-end process resulting in die withsmaller, higher density active and passive components. Back-endprocesses may result in semiconductor device packages with a smallerfootprint by improvements in electrical interconnection and packagingmaterials.

Another goal of semiconductor manufacturing is to produce higherperformance semiconductor devices. Increases in device performance canbe accomplished by forming active components that are capable ofoperating at higher speeds. In high frequency applications, such asradio frequency (RF) wireless communications, integrated passive devices(IPDs) are often contained within the semiconductor device. Examples ofIPDs include resistors, capacitors, and inductors. A typical RF systemrequires multiple IPDs in one or more semiconductor packages to performthe necessary electrical functions. However, high frequency electricaldevices generate or are susceptible to undesired EMI, RFI, or otherinter-device interference, such as capacitive, inductive, or conductivecoupling.

To reduce EMI, RFI, and other inter-device interference, a shieldinglayer can be formed over the semiconductor die. The shielding layer istypically mounted prior to encapsulation of the semiconductor die. Theencapsulant is deposited over the shielding layer and pressed throughholes or openings in the shielding layer into the gap between theshielding layer and semiconductor die to encase the die. However, theshielding layer poses an obstacle to the even flow of encapsulant whichcan leave voids around the semiconductor die. In addition, the shieldinglayer has been known to delaminate from the encapsulant, which canreduce device performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A need exists to isolate semiconductor die from EMI, RFI, and otherinter-device interference while sealing the semiconductor die withencapsulant without voids. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the presentinvention is a method of making a semiconductor device comprising thesteps of providing a substrate containing a conductive layer, forming asolder bump over the substrate and electrically connected to theconductive layer, mounting a semiconductor die to the substrate,depositing an encapsulant over the semiconductor die and solder bump,forming a channel in the encapsulant to expose the solder bump, andforming a shielding layer over the encapsulant and semiconductor die.The shielding layer extends into the channel and electrically connectsto the solder bump to provide isolation from inter-device interference.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of making asemiconductor device comprising the steps of providing a substratecontaining a conductive layer, forming an interconnect structure overthe substrate and electrically connected to the conductive layer,mounting a semiconductor component to the substrate, depositing anencapsulant over the semiconductor component and interconnect structure,forming a channel in the encapsulant to expose the interconnectstructure, and forming a shielding layer over the encapsulant andsemiconductor component. The shielding layer is electrically connectedto the interconnect structure to provide isolation from inter-deviceinterference.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of making asemiconductor device comprising the steps of providing a substrate,mounting a semiconductor component to the substrate, depositing anencapsulant over the semiconductor component, forming a channel in theencapsulant, and forming a shielding layer over the encapsulant andsemiconductor component.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a semiconductor devicecomprising a substrate containing a conductive layer. An interconnectstructure is formed over the substrate and electrically connected to theconductive layer. A semiconductor component is mounted to the substrate.An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor component andinterconnect structure. A channel is formed in the encapsulant to exposethe interconnect structure. A shielding layer is formed over theencapsulant and semiconductor component. The shielding layer iselectrically connected to the interconnect structure to provideisolation from inter-device interference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a PCB with different types of packages mounted to itssurface;

FIGS. 2 a-2 c illustrate further detail of the representativesemiconductor packages mounted to the PCB;

FIGS. 3 a-3 h illustrate a process of forming a shielding layer over asemiconductor die after encapsulation and grounded through solder bumps;

FIG. 4 illustrates the shielding layer mounted over the semiconductordie and grounded through the solder bumps;

FIGS. 5 a-5 b illustrate the shielding layer mounted to the solder bumpswith docking pins;

FIGS. 6 a-6 b illustrate the shielding layer conformally applied overthe encapsulant and semiconductor die;

FIGS. 7 a-7 b illustrate the shielding layer mounted over a plurality ofsemiconductor die;

FIG. 8 illustrates the shielding layer mounted to the solder bumps withdocking pins; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the shielding layer conformally applied over theencapsulant and semiconductor die.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in one or more embodiments in thefollowing description with reference to the Figures, in which likenumerals represent the same or similar elements. While the invention isdescribed in terms of the best mode for achieving the invention'sobjectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that itis intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as maybe included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims and their equivalents as supported by the followingdisclosure and drawings.

Semiconductor devices are generally manufactured using two complexmanufacturing processes: front-end manufacturing and back-endmanufacturing. Front-end manufacturing involves the formation of aplurality of die on the surface of a semiconductor wafer. Each die onthe wafer contains active and passive electrical components, which areelectrically connected to form functional electrical circuits. Activeelectrical components, such as transistors, have the ability to controlthe flow of electrical current. Passive electrical components, such ascapacitors, inductors, resistors, and transformers, create arelationship between voltage and current necessary to perform electricalcircuit functions.

Passive and active components are formed over the surface of thesemiconductor wafer by a series of process steps including doping,deposition, photolithography, etching, and planarization. Dopingintroduces impurities into the semiconductor material by techniques suchas ion implantation or thermal diffusion. The doping process modifiesthe electrical conductivity of semiconductor material in active devices,transforming the semiconductor material into an insulator, conductor, ordynamically changing the semiconductor material conductivity in responseto an electric field or base current. Transistors contain regions ofvarying types and degrees of doping arranged as necessary to enable thetransistor to promote or restrict the flow of electrical current uponthe application of the electric field or base current.

Active and passive components are formed by layers of materials withdifferent electrical properties. The layers can be formed by a varietyof deposition techniques determined in part by the type of materialbeing deposited. For example, thin film deposition may involve chemicalvapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), electrolyticplating, and electroless plating processes. Each layer is generallypatterned to form portions of active components, passive components, orelectrical connections between components.

The layers can be patterned using photolithography, which involves thedeposition of light sensitive material, e.g., photoresist, over thelayer to be patterned. A pattern is transferred from a photomask to thephotoresist using light. The portion of the photoresist patternsubjected to light is removed using a solvent, exposing portions of theunderlying layer to be patterned. The remainder of the photoresist isremoved, leaving behind a patterned layer. Alternatively, some types ofmaterials are patterned by directly depositing the material into theareas or voids formed by a previous deposition/etch process usingtechniques such as electroless and electrolytic plating.

Depositing a thin film of material over an existing pattern canexaggerate the underlying pattern and create a non-uniformly flatsurface. A uniformly flat surface is required to produce smaller andmore densely packed active and passive components. Planarization can beused to remove material from the surface of the wafer and produce auniformly flat surface. Planarization involves polishing the surface ofthe wafer with a polishing pad. An abrasive material and corrosivechemical are added to the surface of the wafer during polishing. Thecombined mechanical action of the abrasive and corrosive action of thechemical removes any irregular topography, resulting in a uniformly flatsurface.

Back-end manufacturing refers to cutting or singulating the finishedwafer into the individual die and then packaging the die for structuralsupport and environmental isolation. To singulate the die, the wafer isscored and broken along non-functional regions of the wafer called sawstreets or scribes. The wafer is singulated using a laser cutting toolor saw blade. After singulation, the individual die are mounted to apackage substrate that includes pins or contact pads for interconnectionwith other system components. Contact pads formed over the semiconductordie are then connected to contact pads within the package. Theelectrical connections can be made with solder bumps, stud bumps,conductive paste, or wirebonds. An encapsulant or other molding materialis deposited over the package to provide physical support and electricalisolation. The finished package is then inserted into an electricalsystem and the functionality of the semiconductor device is madeavailable to the other system components.

FIG. 1 illustrates electronic device 50 having a chip carrier substrateor PCB 52 with a plurality of semiconductor packages mounted on itssurface. Electronic device 50 may have one type of semiconductorpackage, or multiple types of semiconductor packages, depending on theapplication. The different types of semiconductor packages are shown inFIG. 1 for purposes of illustration.

Electronic device 50 may be a stand-alone system that uses thesemiconductor packages to perform one or more electrical functions.Alternatively, electronic device 50 may be a subcomponent of a largersystem. For example, electronic device 50 may be a graphics card,network interface card, or other signal processing card that can beinserted into a computer. The semiconductor package can includemicroprocessors, memories, application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), logic circuits, analog circuits, RF circuits, discrete devices,or other semiconductor die or electrical components.

In FIG. 1, PCB 52 provides a general substrate for structural supportand electrical interconnect of the semiconductor packages mounted on thePCB. Conductive signal traces 54 are formed over a surface or withinlayers of PCB 52 using evaporation, electrolytic plating, electrolessplating, screen printing, or other suitable metal deposition process.Signal traces 54 provide for electrical communication between each ofthe semiconductor packages, mounted components, and other externalsystem components. Traces 54 also provide power and ground connectionsto each of the semiconductor packages.

In some embodiments, a semiconductor device has two packaging levels.First level packaging is a technique for mechanically and electricallyattaching the semiconductor die to an intermediate carrier. Second levelpackaging involves mechanically and electrically attaching theintermediate carrier to the PCB. In other embodiments, a semiconductordevice may only have the first level packaging where the die ismechanically and electrically mounted directly to the PCB.

For the purpose of illustration, several types of first level packaging,including wire bond package 56 and flip chip 58, are shown on PCB 52.Additionally, several types of second level packaging, including ballgrid array (BGA) 60, bump chip carrier (BCC) 62, dual in-line package(DIP) 64, land grid array (LGA) 66, multi-chip module (MCM) 68, quadflat non-leaded package (QFN) 70, and quad flat package 72, are shownmounted on PCB 52. Depending upon the system requirements, anycombination of semiconductor packages, configured with any combinationof first and second level packaging styles, as well as other electroniccomponents, can be connected to PCB 52. In some embodiments, electronicdevice 50 includes a single attached semiconductor package, while otherembodiments call for multiple interconnected packages. By combining oneor more semiconductor packages over a single substrate, manufacturerscan incorporate pre-made components into electronic devices and systems.Because the semiconductor packages include sophisticated functionality,electronic devices can be manufactured using cheaper components and astreamlined manufacturing process. The resulting devices are less likelyto fail and less expensive to manufacture resulting in a lower cost forconsumers.

FIGS. 2 a-2 c show exemplary semiconductor packages. FIG. 2 aillustrates further detail of DIP 64 mounted on PCB 52. Semiconductordie 74 includes an active region containing analog or digital circuitsimplemented as active devices, passive devices, conductive layers, anddielectric layers formed within the die and are electricallyinterconnected according to the electrical design of the die. Forexample, the circuit may include one or more transistors, diodes,inductors, capacitors, resistors, and other circuit elements formedwithin the active region of semiconductor die 74. Contact pads 76 areone or more layers of conductive material, such as aluminum (Al), copper(Cu), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), or silver (Ag), and areelectrically connected to the circuit elements formed withinsemiconductor die 74. During assembly of DIP 64, semiconductor die 74 ismounted to an intermediate carrier 78 using a gold-silicon eutecticlayer or adhesive material such as thermal epoxy. The package bodyincludes an insulative packaging material such as polymer or ceramic.Conductor leads 80 and wire bonds 82 provide electrical interconnectbetween semiconductor die 74 and PCB 52. Encapsulant 84 is depositedover the package for environmental protection by preventing moisture andparticles from entering the package and contaminating die 74 or wirebonds 82.

FIG. 2 b illustrates further detail of BCC 62 mounted on PCB 52.Semiconductor die 88 is mounted over carrier 90 using an underfill orepoxy-resin adhesive material 92. Wire bonds 94 provide first levelpacking interconnect between contact pads 96 and 98. Molding compound orencapsulant 100 is deposited over semiconductor die 88 and wire bonds 94to provide physical support and electrical isolation for the device.Contact pads 102 are formed over a surface of PCB 52 using a suitablemetal deposition such electrolytic plating or electroless plating toprevent oxidation. Contact pads 102 are electrically connected to one ormore conductive signal traces 54 in PCB 52. Solder material is depositedbetween contact pads 98 of BCC 62 and contact pads 102 of PCB 52 andreflowed to form bumps 104 which form a mechanical and electricalconnection between BCC 62 and PCB 52.

In FIG. 2 c, semiconductor die 58 is mounted face down to intermediatecarrier 106 with a flip chip style first level packaging. Active region108 of semiconductor die 58 contains analog or digital circuitsimplemented as active devices, passive devices, conductive layers, anddielectric layers formed according to the electrical design of the die.For example, the circuit may include one or more transistors, diodes,inductors, capacitors, resistors, and other circuit elements withinactive region 108. Semiconductor die 58 is electrically and mechanicallyattached to carrier 106 through solder bumps or balls 110.

BGA 60 is electrically and mechanically attached to PCB 52 with a BGAstyle second level packaging using solder bumps or balls 112.Semiconductor die 58 is electrically connected to conductive signaltraces 54 in PCB 52 through solder bumps 110, signal lines 114, andsolder bumps 112. A molding compound or encapsulant 116 is depositedover semiconductor die 58 and carrier 106 to provide physical supportand electrical isolation for the device. The flip chip semiconductordevice provides a short electrical conduction path from the activedevices on semiconductor die 58 to conduction tracks on PCB 52 in orderto reduce signal propagation distance, lower capacitance, and improveoverall circuit performance. In another embodiment, the semiconductordie 58 can be mechanically and electrically attached directly to PCB 52using flip chip style first level packaging without intermediate carrier106.

FIGS. 3 a-3 h illustrate a process of forming a semiconductor devicewith a shielding layer mounted over semiconductor die afterencapsulation. In FIG. 3 a, a substrate or carrier 150 contains basematerial such as silicon, metal leadframe, ceramic, tape, or othersuitable rigid material for structural support. An electricallyconductive layer 152 is formed within substrate 150 using patterningwith PVD, CVD, sputtering, electrolytic plating, electroless platingprocess, or other suitable metal deposition process. Conductive layer152 can be one or more layers of Al, Cu, Sn, Ni, Au, Ag, or othersuitable electrically conductive material. Conductive layer 152 providessignal traces and contact pads which are electrically common orelectrically isolated depending on the functional design of the device.

An electrically conductive solder material is deposited over contactpads 152 a using an evaporation, electrolytic plating, electrolessplating, ball drop, or screen printing process. The solder material canbe any metal or electrically conductive material, e.g., Sn, Ni, Au, Ag,Pb, Bi, and alloys thereof, with an optional flux material. For example,the solder material can be eutectic Sn/Pb, high-lead, or lead-free. Thesolder material is reflowed by heating the material above its meltingpoint to form spherical balls or bumps 154. In some applications, solderbumps 154 are reflowed a second time to improve electrical connection tocontact pads 152 a. Solder bumps 154 represent one type of interconnectstructure that can be formed over contact pads 152 a. The interconnectstructure can also use conductive pillars, stud bump, micro bump, orother electrical interconnect.

A semiconductor die or component 156 is mounted over substrate 150 andelectrically connected to conductive layer 152 b with solder bumps 158.An optional underfill material 160 is deposited between semiconductordie 156 and substrate 150. Semiconductor die 156 includes a substratewith an active region containing analog or digital circuits implementedas active devices, passive devices, conductive layers, and dielectriclayers formed within the die and electrically interconnected accordingto the electrical design and function of the die. For example, thecircuit may include one or more transistors, diodes, and other circuitelements formed within its active surface to implement baseband analogcircuits or digital circuits, such as digital signal processor (DSP),ASIC, memory, or other signal processing circuit. Semiconductor die 156may also contain IPD, such as inductors, capacitors, and resistors, forRF signal processing. Semiconductor die 156 can be a flipchip typedevice or wire bond type device. In another embodiment, a discretecomponent can be mounted over and electrically connected to conductivepads 152 b.

The IPDs in semiconductor die 156 provide the electrical characteristicsneeded for high frequency applications, such as resonators, high-passfilters, low-pass filters, band-pass filters, symmetric Hi-Q resonanttransformers, matching networks, and tuning capacitors. The IPDs can beused as front-end wireless RF components, which can be positionedbetween the antenna and transceiver. The inductor can be a hi-Q balun,transformer, or coil, operating up to 100 Gigahertz. In someapplications, multiple baluns are formed on a same substrate, allowingmulti-band operation. For example, two or more baluns are used in aquad-band for mobile phones or other global system for mobile (GSM)communications, each balun dedicated for a frequency band of operationof the quad-band device.

A typical RF system requires multiple IPDs and other high frequencycircuits in one or more semiconductor packages to perform the necessaryelectrical functions. The high frequency electrical devices generate orare susceptible to undesired EMI, RFI, or other inter-deviceinterference, such as capacitive, inductive, or conductive coupling,also known as cross-talk, which can interfere with the operation ofadjacent or nearby circuit elements.

FIG. 3 c shows an encapsulant or molding compound 162 deposited overcarrier 150, semiconductor die 156, and around solder bumps 158 using apaste printing, compressive molding, transfer molding, liquidencapsulant molding, vacuum lamination, or other suitable applicator.Encapsulant 162 can be polymer composite material, such as epoxy resinwith filler, epoxy acrylate with filler, or polymer with proper filler.Encapsulant 162 is non-conductive and environmentally protects thesemiconductor device from external elements and contaminants.

A portion of encapsulant 162 is removed with grinder 164 to planarizeits surface with a backside of semiconductor die 156. Alternatively, thevolume deposition of encapsulant 162 is controlled to a thickness thatis planar with the backside of semiconductor die 156.

Another portion of encapsulant 162 is removed to form a groove orchannel 168 using a saw blade, film assist molding (FAM), or laserablation. Channel 168 extends down to solder bump 154. FIG. 3 e shows atop view of the structure in FIG. 3 d formed by FAM. FIG. 3 f shows analternative structure formed by a saw blade performing a partial cut.Solder bumps 154 are formed around semiconductor die 154. Anelectrically conductive layer 170 is formed within channel 168 usingpatterning with PVD, CVD, sputtering, electrolytic plating, electrolessplating process, or other suitable metal deposition process. Conductivelayer 170 can be one or more layers of Al, Cu, Sn, Ni, Au, Ag, or othersuitable electrically conductive material. Alternatively, conductivelayer 170 is a conductive paste that partially fills channel 168.Conductive layer 170 is electrically connected to solder bumps 154.

In FIG. 3 g, an electrically conductive solder material is depositedover contact pads 152 c using an evaporation, electrolytic plating,electroless plating, ball drop, or screen printing process. The soldermaterial can be any metal or electrically conductive material, e.g., Sn,Ni, Au, Ag, Pb, Bi, and alloys thereof, with an optional flux material.For example, the solder material can be eutectic Sn/Pb, high-lead, orlead-free. The solder material is reflowed by heating the material aboveits melting point to form spherical balls or bumps 176. In someapplications, solder bumps 176 are reflowed a second time to improveelectrical connection to contact pads 152 c. Solder bumps 176 representone type of interconnect structure that can be formed over contact pads152 c. The interconnect structure can also use conductive pillars, studbump, micro bump, or other electrical interconnect.

To reduce inter-device interference, a shielding layer 172 is formedover or mounted to encapsulant 162 and semiconductor die 156 withadhesive layer 173. Shielding layer 172 can be Cu, Al, ferrite orcarbonyl iron, stainless steel, nickel silver, low-carbon steel,silicon-iron steel, foil, epoxy, conductive resin, and other metals andcomposites capable of blocking or absorbing EMI, RFI, and otherinter-device interference. Shielding layer 172 can also be a non-metalmaterial such as carbon-black or aluminum flake to reduce the effects ofEMI and RFI. Shielding layer 172 is electrically connected to conductivelayer 170 and thermally contacts the backside of semiconductor die 156.Shielding layer 172 is electrically connected to a low-impedance groundpoint through conductive layers 152 and 170 and solder bumps 154 and176. A chamfer area 174 can be formed around a perimeter of shieldinglayer 172. A thermal interface material can be applied to the backsurface of semiconductor die 156 prior to forming shielding layer 172.The thermal interface material aids in the distribution and dissipationof heat generated by semiconductor die 156 across shielding layer 172.

FIG. 3 h is a cross-sectional view taken through the portion ofshielding layer 172 in channel 168. Since encapsulant 162 is depositedbefore shielding layer 172, the shielding layer presents no obstacle tothe flow of encapsulant 162 over semiconductor die 156. No voids areformed in the encapsulant as found in the prior art. Shielding layer 172is more reliable and has less chance of delamination from theencapsulant. Shielding layer 172 has reliable joint connection to theexternal ground point.

An alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 4. After FIG. 3 c, groove orchannel 168 is formed in encapsulant 162 and then completely filled withconductive paste 180. Shielding layer 182 is formed over or mounted tothe planar surfaces of encapsulant 162 and semiconductor die 156 withadhesive layer 183. Shielding layer 182 can be Cu, Al, ferrite orcarbonyl iron, stainless steel, nickel silver, low-carbon steel,silicon-iron steel, foil, epoxy, conductive resin, and other metals andcomposites capable of blocking or absorbing EMI, RFI, and otherinter-device interference. Shielding layer 182 can also be a non-metalmaterial such as carbon-black or aluminum flake to reduce the effects ofEMI and RFI. Shielding layer 182 is electrically connected to conductivepaste 180 and thermally contacts the backside of semiconductor die 156.Shielding layer 182 is electrically connected to a low-impedance groundpoint through conductive layers 152 and 180 and solder bumps 154 and176.

In another embodiment, after FIG. 3 d, a deeper groove or channel 188 iscut into solder bumps 154, as shown in FIG. 5 a. Shielding layer 190 isformed over or mounted to the planar surfaces of encapsulant 162 andsemiconductor die 156. Shielding layer 190 has docking pins 194 forlocking into solder bumps 154 to form a reliable connection. Shieldinglayer 190 can be Cu, Al, ferrite or carbonyl iron, stainless steel,nickel silver, low-carbon steel, silicon-iron steel, foil, epoxy,conductive resin, and other metals and composites capable of blocking orabsorbing EMI, RFI, and other inter-device interference. Shielding layer190 can also be a non-metal material such as carbon-black or aluminumflake to reduce the effects of EMI and RFI. Shielding layer 190 iselectrically connected to solder bumps 154 through channel 188 andthermally contacts the backside of semiconductor die 156. Shieldinglayer 190 is electrically connected to a low-impedance ground pointthrough conductive layer 152 and solder bumps 154 and 176. A chamferarea 198 can be formed around a perimeter of shielding layer 190. Athermal interface material can be applied to the back surface ofsemiconductor die 156 prior to forming shielding layer 190. The thermalinterface material aids in the distribution and dissipation of heatgenerated by semiconductor die 156 across shielding layer 190.

FIG. 5 b is a cross-sectional view taken through docking pins 194 inchannel 188. Since encapsulant 162 is deposited before shielding layer190, the shielding layer presents no obstacle to the flow of encapsulant162 over semiconductor die 156. No voids are formed in the encapsulantas found in the prior art. Shielding layer 190 is more reliable and hasless chance of delamination from the encapsulant. Shielding layer 190has reliable joint connection to the external ground point.

In another embodiment, after FIG. 3 d, a shielding layer 200 isconformally applied over semiconductor die 156 and encapsulant 162 intochannel 168 by spray coating, electroless plating, or electro plating,as shown in FIG. 6 a. Shielding layer 200 can be Cu, Al, ferrite orcarbonyl iron, stainless steel, nickel silver, low-carbon steel,silicon-iron steel, foil, epoxy, conductive resin, and other metals andcomposites capable of blocking or absorbing EMI, RFI, and otherinter-device interference. Shielding layer 200 can also be a non-metalmaterial such as carbon-black or aluminum flake to reduce the effects ofEMI and RFI. Shielding layer 200 is electrically connected to solderbumps 154 and thermally contacts the backside of semiconductor die 156.Shielding layer 200 is electrically connected to a low-impedance groundpoint through conductive layer 152 and solder bumps 154 and 176. Theconformal shielding layer 200 acts as a heat spreader for distributionand dissipation of heat generated by semiconductor die 156.

FIG. 6 b is a cross-sectional view taken through shielding layer 200 inchannel 168. Since encapsulant 162 is deposited before shielding layer200, the shielding layer presents no obstacle to the flow of encapsulant162 over semiconductor die 156. No voids are formed in the encapsulantas found in the prior art. Shielding layer 200 is more reliable and hasless chance of delamination from the encapsulant. Shielding layer 200has reliable joint connection to the external ground point.

FIGS. 7 a-7 b illustrate an alternate process of forming thesemiconductor device with a shielding layer mounted over semiconductordie after encapsulation. In FIG. 7 a, a substrate or carrier 210contains base material such as silicon, metal leadframe, ceramic, tape,or other suitable rigid material for structural support. An electricallyconductive layer 212 is formed within substrate 210 using patterningwith PVD, CVD, sputtering, electrolytic plating, electroless platingprocess, or other suitable metal deposition process. Conductive layer212 can be one or more layers of Al, Cu, Sn, Ni, Au, Ag, or othersuitable electrically conductive material. Conductive layer 212 providessignal traces and contact pads for electrical interconnect which areelectrically common or electrically isolated depending on the functionaldesign of the device.

An electrically conductive solder material is deposited over contactpads 212 a using an evaporation, electrolytic plating, electrolessplating, ball drop, or screen printing process. The solder material canbe any metal or electrically conductive material, e.g., Sn, Ni, Au, Ag,Pb, Bi, and alloys thereof, with an optional flux material. For example,the solder material can be eutectic Sn/Pb, high-lead, or lead-free. Thesolder material is reflowed by heating the material above its meltingpoint to form spherical balls or bumps 214. In some applications, solderbumps 214 are reflowed a second time to improve electrical connection tocontact pads 212 a. Solder bumps 214 represent one type of interconnectstructure that can be formed over contact pads 212 a. The interconnectstructure can also use conductive pillars, stud bump, micro bump, orother electrical interconnect.

A plurality of semiconductor die or components 216 is disposed oversubstrate 210 and electrically connected to conductive layer 212 b withsolder bumps 218, as shown in FIG. 7 b. An optional underfill material220 is deposited between semiconductor die 216 and substrate 210.Semiconductor die 216 includes a substrate with an active regioncontaining analog or digital circuits implemented as active devices,passive devices, conductive layers, and dielectric layers formed withinthe die and electrically interconnected according to the electricaldesign and function of the die. For example, the circuit may include oneor more transistors, diodes, and other circuit elements formed withinits active surface to implement baseband analog circuits or digitalcircuits, such as DSP, ASIC, memory, or other signal processing circuit.Semiconductor die 216 may also contain IPD, such as inductors,capacitors, and resistors, for RF signal processing. Semiconductor die216 can be a flipchip type device or wire bond type device. In anotherembodiment, a discrete component can be mounted over and electricallyconnected to conductive pads 212 b.

The IPDs in semiconductor die 216 provide the electrical characteristicsneeded for high frequency applications, such as resonators, high-passfilters, low-pass filters, band-pass filters, symmetric Hi-Q resonanttransformers, matching networks, and tuning capacitors. The IPDs can beused as front-end wireless RF components, which can be positionedbetween the antenna and transceiver. The inductor can be a hi-Q balun,transformer, or coil, operating up to 100 Gigahertz. In someapplications, multiple baluns are formed on a same substrate, allowingmulti-band operation. For example, two or more baluns are used in aquad-band for mobile phones or other GSM communications, each balundedicated for a frequency band of operation of the quad-band device.

A typical RF system requires multiple IPDs and other high frequencycircuits in one or more semiconductor packages to perform the necessaryelectrical functions. The high frequency electrical devices generate orare susceptible to undesired EMI, RFI, or other inter-deviceinterference, such as capacitive, inductive, or conductive coupling,also known as cross-talk, which can interfere with the operation ofadjacent or nearby circuit elements.

An encapsulant or molding compound 222 is deposited over carrier 210,semiconductor die 216, and around solder bumps 218 using a pasteprinting, compressive molding, transfer molding, liquid encapsulantmolding, vacuum lamination, or other suitable applicator. Encapsulant222 can be polymer composite material, such as epoxy resin with filler,epoxy acrylate with filler, or polymer with proper filler. Encapsulant222 is non-conductive and environmentally protects the semiconductordevice from external elements and contaminants.

A portion of encapsulant 222 is removed to planarize its surface with abackside of semiconductor die 216. Alternatively, the volume depositionof encapsulant 222 is controlled to a thickness that is planar with thebackside of semiconductor die 216.

Another portion of encapsulant 222 is removed to form groove or channel228 down to solder bump 214 using a saw blade or FAM. FIG. 7 b shows atop view of the structure formed by FAM prior to mounting the shieldinglayer. Solder bumps 214 are formed around each of the semiconductor die216. An electrically conductive layer 230 is formed within channel 228using patterning with PVD, CVD, sputtering, electrolytic plating,electroless plating process, or other suitable metal deposition process.Conductive layer 230 can be one or more layers of Al, Cu, Sn, Ni, Au,Ag, or other suitable electrically conductive material. Alternatively,conductive layer 230 is a conductive paste that partially fills channel228. Conductive layer 230 is electrically connected to solder bumps 214.

An electrically conductive solder material is deposited over contactpads 212 c using an evaporation, electrolytic plating, electrolessplating, ball drop, or screen printing process. The solder material canbe any metal or electrically conductive material, e.g., Sn, Ni, Au, Ag,Pb, Bi, and alloys thereof, with an optional flux material. For example,the solder material can be eutectic Sn/Pb, high-lead, or lead-free. Thesolder material is reflowed by heating the material above its meltingpoint to form spherical balls or bumps 236. In some applications, solderbumps 236 are reflowed a second time to improve electrical connection tocontact pads 212 c. Solder bumps 236 represent one type of interconnectstructure that can be formed over contact pads 212 c. The interconnectstructure can also use conductive pillars, stud bump, micro bump, orother electrical interconnect.

To reduce inter-device interference, a shielding layer 232 is formedover or mounted to the planar surfaces of encapsulant 222 andsemiconductor die 216. Shielding layer 232 can be Cu, Al, ferrite orcarbonyl iron, stainless steel, nickel silver, low-carbon steel,silicon-iron steel, foil, epoxy, conductive resin, and other metals andcomposites capable of blocking or absorbing EMI, RFI, and otherinter-device interference. Shielding layer 232 can also be a non-metalmaterial such as carbon-black or aluminum flake to reduce the effects ofEMI and RFI. Shielding layer 232 is electrically connected to conductivelayer 230 and thermally contacts the backside of semiconductor die 216.Shielding layer 232 is electrically connected to a low-impedance groundpoint through conductive layers 212 and 230 and solder bumps 214 and236.

In another embodiment of FIGS. 7 a-7 b, a deeper channel 238 is cut intosolder bumps 214, as shown in FIG. 8. Shielding layer 240 is formed overor mounted to encapsulant 222 and semiconductor die 216. Shielding layer240 has docking pins 244 for locking into solder bumps 214 to form areliable connection. Shielding layer 240 can be Cu, Al, ferrite orcarbonyl iron, stainless steel, nickel silver, low-carbon steel,silicon-iron steel, foil, epoxy, conductive resin, and other metals andcomposites capable of blocking or absorbing EMI, RFI, and otherinter-device interference. Shielding layer 240 can also be a non-metalmaterial such as carbon-black or aluminum flake to reduce the effects ofEMI and RFI. Shielding layer 240 is electrically connected to solderbumps 214 through channel 238 and thermally contacts the backside ofsemiconductor die 216. Shielding layer 240 is electrically connected toa low-impedance ground point through conductive layers 212 and solderbumps 214 and 236.

In another embodiment of FIGS. 7 a-7 b, a shielding layer 246 isconformally applied over semiconductor die 216 and encapsulant 222 intochannel 228 by spray coating, electroless plating, or electro plating,as shown in FIG. 9. Shielding layer 246 can be Cu, Al, ferrite orcarbonyl iron, stainless steel, nickel silver, low-carbon steel,silicon-iron steel, foil, epoxy, conductive resin, and other metals andcomposites capable of blocking or absorbing EMI, RFI, and otherinter-device interference. Shielding layer 246 can also be a non-metalmaterial such as carbon-black or aluminum flake to reduce the effects ofEMI and RFI. Shielding layer 246 is electrically connected to solderbumps 214 and thermally contacts the backside of semiconductor die 216.Shielding layer 246 is electrically connected to a low-impedance groundpoint through conductive layers 212 and solder bumps 214 and 236. Theconformal shielding layer 246 acts as a heat spreader for distributionand dissipation of heat generated by semiconductor die 216.

While one or more embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated in detail, the skilled artisan will appreciate thatmodifications and adaptations to those embodiments may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising:providing a substrate containing a conductive layer; forming a solderbump over the substrate and electrically connected to the conductivelayer; mounting a semiconductor die to the substrate; depositing anencapsulant over the semiconductor die and solder bump; forming achannel in the encapsulant to expose the solder bump; and forming ashielding layer over the encapsulant and semiconductor die, theshielding layer extending into the channel and electrically connectingto the solder bump to provide isolation from inter-device interference.2. The method of claim 1, further including depositing solder paste inthe channel prior to forming the shielding layer.
 3. The method of claim1, further including forming a chamfer area around the shielding layer.4. The method of claim 1, further including planarizing the encapsulantand a backside of the semiconductor die.
 5. The method of claim 1,further including forming a docking pin on the shielding layer whichextends into the channel and electrically connects to the solder bump.6. The method of claim 1, further including conformally applying theshielding layer over the encapsulant and semiconductor die and into thechannel.
 7. The method of claim 1, further including forming the channelin the encapsulant using a saw blade, film assist molding, or laserablation.
 8. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device,comprising: providing a substrate containing a conductive layer; formingan interconnect structure over the substrate and electrically connectedto the conductive layer; mounting a semiconductor component to thesubstrate; depositing an encapsulant over the semiconductor componentand interconnect structure; forming a channel in the encapsulant toexpose the interconnect structure; and forming a shielding layer overthe encapsulant and semiconductor component, the shielding layer beingelectrically connected to the interconnect structure to provideisolation from inter-device interference.
 9. The method of claim 8,further including depositing solder paste in the channel prior toforming the shielding layer.
 10. The method of claim 8, furtherincluding forming a chamfer area around the shielding layer.
 11. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the interconnect structure includes a solderbump, conductive pillar, stud bump, or micro bump.
 12. The method ofclaim 8, further including forming a docking pin on the shielding layerwhich extends into the channel and electrically connects to theinterconnect structure.
 13. The method of claim 8, further includingconformally applying the shielding layer over the encapsulant andsemiconductor die and into the channel.
 14. A method of manufacturing asemiconductor device, comprising: providing a substrate; mounting asemiconductor component to the substrate; depositing an encapsulant overthe semiconductor component; forming a channel in the encapsulant; andforming a shielding layer over the encapsulant and semiconductorcomponent.
 15. The method of claim 14, further including forming aninterconnect structure over the substrate and electrically connected toa conductive layer within the substrate, the shielding layer beingelectrically connected to the interconnect structure.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the interconnect structure includes a solder bump,conductive pillar, stud bump, or micro bump.
 17. The method of claim 14,further including depositing solder paste in the channel prior toforming the shielding layer.
 18. The method of claim 14, furtherincluding forming a docking pin on the shielding layer which extendsinto the channel and electrically connects to the interconnectstructure.
 19. The method of claim 14, further including conformallyapplying the shielding layer over the encapsulant and semiconductor dieand into the channel.
 20. The method of claim 14, further includingdistributing heat generated by the semiconductor component across theshielding layer.
 21. A semiconductor device, comprising: a substratecontaining a conductive layer; an interconnect structure formed over thesubstrate and electrically connected to the conductive layer; asemiconductor component mounted to the substrate; an encapsulantdeposited over the semiconductor component and interconnect structure; achannel formed in the encapsulant to the interconnect structure; and ashielding layer formed over the encapsulant and semiconductor component,the shielding layer being electrically connected to the interconnectstructure to provide isolation from inter-device interference.
 22. Thesemiconductor device of claim 21, further including a chamfer areaformed around a perimeter of the shielding layer.
 23. The semiconductordevice of claim 21, wherein the interconnect structure includes a solderbump, conductive pillar, stud bump, or micro bump.
 24. The semiconductordevice of claim 21, further including a docking pin formed on theshielding layer, the docking pin extending into the channel andelectrically connecting to the interconnect structure.
 25. Thesemiconductor device of claim 21, wherein the shielding layer isconformally applied over the encapsulant and semiconductor die and intothe channel.